Theoretical analysis of multimode fiber amplifiers and lasers containing spatial filters

By the use of the coupling theory of the modes and the multimode rate equations, the performances of the multimode fiber amplifiers or lasers containing a spatial filter have been discussed. After the rate equations applicable to amplifiers are solved, the beam quality factors of the output from a multimode fiber amplifier with and without a single mode filter have been evaluated and compared. By the use of the analytical expression of the threshold pump power applicable to the multimode fiber lasers with the spatial filter and doped with quasi two-energy-level ions, and two example fibers had been selected which may guide 4 and 9 transversal modes, respectively, the threshold pump power for each transversal fiber mode has been evaluated. The results indicate that the single mode filter, does introduce a very strong discrimination for the modes between the high order modes and the fundamental mode. This should considerably favor the operation of the fundamental mode in the lasers with a homogeneously broadened active medium.